This is the second post in a a new weekly series called “10 Questions with” that will feature creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who have incredible stories and advice to share. It’s the perfect series to follow for budding entrepreneurs and creative people who want to know more about other people’s creative processes. Check back here every Wednesday to see who will be profiled next.. The interview is below the images.
On Naomi // Bathing Suit: SwimZip // Top: Peek Kids
Farewell Summer, we hardly knew ye. Actually, we know you WAY too well, and would like you gone already to make way for cute pom pom beanies and boots, but that’s neither here nor there. Summer seems to never end in Texas (still 90+ degrees here… you jealous?) but we’re armed and equipped with a freezer full of delicious treats from b pop! I admit it: I’m a frozen treat fiend. I’ve had an obsession with fro yo and popsicles for as long as I can remember, and I fancy myself kind of a connoisseur. I’m hopefully passing that love on to my daughter, who took to frozen treats with the first cold, creamy ice cream bite she took at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It was a moment, people.
The issue lies in the fact that this stuff really isn’t that healthy for growing kiddos. A sweet treat now and then is totally fine, but I wouldn’t call these everyday necessities. Unless you’re a grown up like me, in which case you get to eat them whenever you want because you can.
Enter b pop!, the co-creation of Tallent Ricca (of Ricca + Co. fame) and 2 of her friends, who wanted to make a treat that was perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacktime, or anytime. She also happens to be a local Houstonian, who grew up here just like me. b pop! is handmade with whole, organic ingredients, and lots of love, and we are proof that both grown ups and kids alike LOVE them. They just recently launched at WHOLE FOODS (amazing, right?) and I sat down with Ricca to talk about that, what inspired her to create a second line of delicious treats, and the challenges they face.
Glad to chat with you! First, tell us where we can find you online and in stores.
My name is Tallent Ricca, and you can find b pop! at Whole Foods Post Oak, DEFINE West University, BIG Yoga, Nourish Juice Bar, New Living and Ruggle’s Green Woodlands
What inspired you to start your own business?
The idea of freedom is something that is a huge motivator for me. The freedom over my schedule, the freedom to make interesting and truly authentic choices that may be different than what a traditional/larger company would have made. Even a the freedom to say no, or I’m not comfortable with the direction this is heading.
What inspires your designs and what sets them apart from everyone else’s?
b pop!’s design was very much inspired by our three co-founders Melissa, Victoria and I. We wanted to build a brand that really spoke to individuals like us. We wanted b pop! to embody the characteristics we admire: natural, straightforward, and approachable. We use only whole fruits, nuts and vegetables in our popsicles and it was important that our packaging and design reflected this. All of our packaging incorporates beautiful photos of the ingredients we actually us in our pops. And if you look at the ingredients list on the back of the packaging, it’s exactly what is on the cover. We are really proud of that.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
After I graduated college I had a strong feeling that I would eventually try my hand at entrepreneurship, so I made an active choice to work with small companies and startups to learn as much as possible. The experience I gained was immensely helpful. The amount of day to day problem solving with limited resources was basically a training ground for starting my own company.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Getting into Whole Foods! We’re so excited to be a part of the Whole Foods family and they have been unbelievably supportive. We are ecstatic!
What has been your biggest challenge?
For me, personally, it’s been spreading myself too thin and dedicating my time to one too many projects. I’m learning the art of restraint, but I’m a bit slow on the uptake:) I’m a creative so I have this urge to be a part of everything! It can end up being a distraction that detracts from the projects that really matter.
Describe your typical work day.
The first thing I do is email and plan my day. I usually have meetings, production and demos in the middle of the day and unless it’s something urgent I try and resist the urge to email. It can end up dominating your entire day. I find it’s so much more efficient to make a quick call, hash out some details and send a follow up email with the items discussed. Many days I will have a networking event or b pop! sponsored event in the evening.
Which small businesses are you inspired by?
I think The Citizenry has done an amazing job. The entire concept is clean, simple and well thought out. From the logo, to the website layout, to the impeccably curated products, it’s all cohesive and gives such a clear perspective and perfectly illustrates their mission. I’m lusting after basically everything on their site!
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
That’s a tough question. In retrospect I’ve learned just as much (maybe more) from the times that felt like major can-I-have-a-do-over moments, so I’m not sure I’d want to change them.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start her own creative business?
Simplify, simplify, simplify. Making things overly complex or adding layers is a common problem. The phrase ‘Keep it simple’ is a classic for a reason and so critical when you’re first starting off and short on funds! Also, make sure you are absolutely certain and have triple and quadruple checked everything before getting packaging printed. I made that mistake once and it was…expensive.
Learn more about b pop! and follow them on Instagram to follow along as their fledgling brand grows!
Disclosure: Samples were provided by the company. No further compensation was given and all opinions are my own. The post contains no affiliate links whatsoever.
Oh my gosh, she’s adorable! Yum, I’ll have to keep my eye out for b pop!
I love reading about other’s journey and seeing what they have learned along the way.
Thank you for sharing more about yourself.